Sr. Director of Communications & Public Affairs
Our Mission: We are the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity.
Get to Know Us
We're a nonprofit organization that supports businesses and entrepreneurs in the Harrisburg Region (Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties). As both the region's chamber of commerce and certified economic development organization, we carry the network and the toolbox: 900 member businesses count on us to help them connect, grow, and advocate, while we simultaneously work the bigger picture, attracting outside investment, bringing new jobs to the region, and supporting the entrepreneurs building the next generation of businesses here. We're independently run and have been since 1884.
Our Culture
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC is an equal opportunity employer. We're seeking to create a work culture that aligns with the communities we serve and call home. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and those we work with.
Our Values
- Inclusive: We seek to create an organization and community where everyone feels that they belong.
- Data Driven: We root our evaluation and activities in data.
- Collaborative: We convene and connect leaders in our business and community to move us forward.
- Positive: We are unapologetically, relentlessly positive storytellers about our work and region.
Your Role
The Sr. Director of Communications & Public Affairs is one of the most strategically influential roles in the Chamber & CREDC. You will shape the organization’s external voice, visual brand and marketing strategy. What makes this role distinctive is its direct connection to organizational growth. This leader doesn't just tell the Chamber & CREDC story. They use that story to drive membership, investment, and experiences that define the regional business community.
This role reports to the Vice President of Strategy and Chamber Impact. The position manages a network of vendors and works closely with each department within the organization as a key partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.
What it looks like for you
You will shape how the world sees the Chamber & CREDC through every press release, social post, email newsletter, and public statement that carries its name. You will sit at the table when advocacy strategy is set and translate those priorities into messaging that moves people. You will partner with economic development staff to turn complex projects into stories the community can believe in and get behind. You will lead marketing campaigns that fill event rooms and grow the membership roster, knowing that your work directly fuels the chamber's ability to serve the region.
You will be an integral part of the Chamber & CREDC team and continually work together with your co-workers and Chamber volunteers to contribute to the advancement of the Chamber & CREDC and its mission.
You Have:
- Storyteller's Instinct: You translate complicated ideas (policy, economics, data) into language that makes people lean in. You know that the right narrative can move a room, a reporter, or a legislator.
- Editor's Eye: You sweat the details. A typo in a press release bothers you. Inconsistent brand voice bothers you more.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: You don't wait for coverage, campaigns, or content to happen. You create the strategy, own the calendar, and drive the work from idea to execution.
- Competitive Edge: You are wired to hit targets. Membership growth and sold-out events aren't happy accidents to you. They are the scoreboard, and you play to win.
- Collaborative Nature: You are a team player who thrives in a collaborative environment. You share wins, support colleagues, and understand that the Chamber & CREDC's success is never one person's alone.
- Purpose-Driven Life: You are drawn to work that means something. You see economic prosperity not as an abstract goal but as real businesses growing, real jobs created, and a region moving forward. You want to be part of that.
Principal Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications & Brand Management
- Develop and manage an annual communications plan aligned with organizational strategic priorities and the legislative calendar.
- Oversee all chamber communications channels to ensure a consistent, professional brand voice, including website content, e-newsletters, social media, and printed pieces.
- Produce high-quality written content including speeches, talking points, annual reports, and member communications.
- Support the President & CEO and senior leadership with communications preparation for media interviews, public appearances, board presentations, and legislative meetings.
- Serve as a storytelling partner to economic development staff, helping frame wins, milestones, and long-term vision in ways that build community confidence and investor pride.
- Track and report communications metrics to senior leadership and the Board.
- Manage relationships with vendors including graphic designers, web developers, advertising partners, print partners, and video/photography professionals.
Public Affairs & Advocacy Communications
- Develop and execute communications strategies that support the chamber's legislative and regulatory agenda at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Translate complex policy positions into clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences including members, media, elected officials, and the general public.
- Collaborate with the contract lobbyist to align public messaging with advocacy strategy, ensuring coordinated and consistent positioning on key issues.
- Develop and manage a proactive media relations strategy, including press releases, media pitches, editorial board relationships, and interviews.
- Serve as a chamber spokesperson and media contact as needed, working in coordination with the President & CEO.
- Represent the chamber at community events, coalitions, and civic forums as a communicator and public affairs professional.
Revenue-Driving Marketing
- Develop integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, and in-person channels to support membership and event revenue goals.
- Analyze campaign performance and continuously optimize strategies to maximize return on marketing investment.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Required:
- Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in communications, public affairs, or a related field.
- Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to write clearly and persuasively across formats (press releases, op-eds, member alerts, speeches, social media).
- Experience managing media relationships and serving as an organizational media contact.
- Basic photo and video capture and editing skills.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing marketing campaigns with measurable revenue or engagement outcomes.
- Strong understanding of the legislative process and experience communicating policy issues to non-expert audiences.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects, vendors, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work effectively across organizational functions and with external partners.
Preferred:
- Experience working for a chamber of commerce, economic development organization, trade association, advocacy organization, or public affairs firm.
- Familiarity with membership-based organizations and B2B marketing strategies.
- Experience with CRM systems, email marketing tools, and social content management systems.
- Established media relationships in the regional market.
- Knowledge of and experience with the Chamber & CREDC.
We Offer
- The opportunity to work each day to improve your community
- An inclusive environment for all employees
- A commitment to your professional development and growth
- Health, available dental and vision benefits; life insurance; and more
- Employer contribution to 401(k)
- Generous time off: vacation, sick time, volunteer days, and holidays
- Shortened summer office hours
- Flexible hybrid work environment
Work Environment
This is an on-site role based in Harrisburg, PA with the flexibility for occasional remote workdays. Some evenings and early mornings are required.
Salary Range (Based on years of experience)
$68,000/yr. to $82,000/yr. Commensurate with experience. Additional performance-based bonus opportunities.
Ready to join us?
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Application
To apply, send the following to apply@hbgrc.org with the subject line “Communications Position”. We’re real people reading your application!
- Cover Letter (We look forward to hearing your story and learning what you bring to the table.)
- Resume
- Work sample (Showcase your skills and experience.)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Additional Info
Job Type : Full-Time
Experience Level : Director, Mid to Senior Level
Job Function : Marketing
